Thursday, May 26, 2016

A while ago I found an unsourced tree that had quite a number of my ancestors listed online at a fellow genealogist's website. I immediately thought how mean-spirited or lazy this chap was for not sharing sources. It didn't bother me personally as I was using his site for clues from which I went off to seek sources.

I've been mulling over his practice for some time and think I may follow his lead. I like to share and collaborate with fellow genies, that's why I have my tree on the web in a public space. What I expect is that if anyone republishes what they find at the GeniAus Family site they will acknowledge their source.

I regularly see on Ancestry and now on MyHeritage bits and pieces from the notes I share copied into online trees without acknowledgement. What makes me giggle is that I am a poor typiste and make quite a few keyboarding errors, these are replicated in those trees. Copy and Paste has a lot to answer for.

I stopped putting photos on my GeniAus Family site when I saw so many of them subsequently appear on Ancestry, I have yet to see one sourced as coming from me. Could so many distant cousins really have copies of those photos in their collections? The photo with the most shares, an image of my Kealy ancestors' home in Ballyfoyle, was taken on my last trip to Ireland. As I have another trip to Ireland planned I'm going to try for a sharper image which I may just keep for myself.

The original photo of the Ballyfoyle home from which the shared one was cropped

The cropped and enhanced (by me) photo I find all over the place

I am about to upload an update to my site that includes names, dates and places but no sources or notes. I know that some folk will still copy my stuff but if they want more information they will have to ask.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

I usually watch TV while I iron but, as the TV in my geneacave is on the blink, I decided to listen to the latest Genies Down Under podcast from Maria Northcote while I got rid of all those creases.

I selected the latest Episode 55: Some messages for genies in May which turned out to be rather short as Maria has been recently snowed under at her day job. I got a huge surprise when I heard Maria mention my name and a blog post of mine, A Flea in my Ear, which I wrote in response to a post from fellow geneablogger, Jennifer Jones. I was delighted to hear Maria expand on something I referred to in my post. Thanks, Maria.

As I had only ironed a few handkerchiefs and a shirt by the time episode 55 finished I fired up another session I had missed, EPISODE 50: Genie Fiction stuff for genies: Family history themed books and stories from December 2015. This was right up my alley as it satisfied two of my interests, genealogy and reading.Maria made some excellent choices of books to share, most of which I had read, but it was interesting to revisit those works through the eyes of a family historian.

Maria mentioned Catherine Bishop's book, Minding Her Own Business: Colonial Businesswomen in Sydney, that I was tempted to buy when I heard the author speak at Hawkesbury FHG recently. If the book is half as good as the author talk it will be a ripper. Unfortunately the $40 price tag put me off. I must reserve it at my local library.

Ironing tonight was a painless activity thanks to the two podcasts I heard. As I usually catch up on Maria's podcasts when I travel, I must download those I haven't heard to my phone before I next take off.

Maria has been delivering her podcasts for over four years. If you aren't a regular listener May I suggest that you check out Genies Down Under.

It feels like my birthday because I uncovered some clues that lead me to find some facts on direct ancestors that I had previously missed. I also found a few silly things I had done. In my earlier post I shared some of the things I had found....but wait - there's more.

I found a Marriage Date and Place in Sydney for Patrick Curryand Ellen Moore. This pair claimed to have been married in Limerick, Ireland prior to their transportation to Australia. A visit to the Limerick Church they named and a helpful priest who let me look at the registers did not find such a record. I'm pleased they got Churched in New South Wales.

For nearly 30 years I had thought that my 2x Great-grandmother, Bridget Ryan, was a good swimmer. I can now report that the good swimmer genes don't come from Bridget. She enjoyed the journey to Australia in 1849 with her sister, Ann, on the good ship, British Empire. I had missed the clue on her death certificate that she first went to Victoria and I had believed a newspaper article that said she arrived ea few years earlier.

I killed off Mr GeniAus' 2x great-grandmother, Jane May. Mr GeniAus wasn't half as excited as I was. We have previously visited the cemetery where she is buried, perhaps we need to visit again and diligently check all the headstones.

When I visit some repositories I go crazy taking photos of documents and sometimes, when I get home, I forget to go nitpicking and record all details. I found a couple of Death Certificates whose details I hadn't recorded lurking in Probate Packets. Perhaps I should fetch less and spend quality time on what I manage to collect.

I got a couple of surprise when I found some certificates misfiled in the wrong folders. That's probably why I found that I had purchased duplicate certificates for some ancestors.

I am sorry to report that I had to do some pruning and lop a branch off my tree. We all make mistakes, I had given some poor woman a couple of extra children.

It wasn't really of any consequence but it was interesting to see that one of Mr GeniAus' ancestors who worked for an undertaker was a witness at the burial of one of my ancestors.

Of course I found the small pile of certificates I had bought in error. I must hnd these on to a society or site that will make them available to others.

I was wearing my halo after completing this task until this morning when I was on my feet dealing with piles of paper. I found a plastic sleeve that contained 72 more BDMs!No prizes for guessing that more Nitpicking is on my agenda.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

A big day out combined with a little bug saw me take to my bed instead of posting my gems yesterday. Now that today's domestic chores have been seen to I'm posting my weekly selections before the baby sittees arrive.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

When sitting still and pecking away at the keyboard I suffer from cold feet...even when the outside temperature is in the twenties (Celsius). A pair of socks and closed in shoes will usually warm my toes but when the weather starts to cool I need to wear my lambswool lined slippers.

Warm toes

For further tips I sought advice via Trove and I was not disappointed..

Monday, May 16, 2016

I had previously talked about my intention of going through all the BDMs (vital records) in my possession and going over them with a fine tooth comb. It's proving to be an illuminating exercise.

I had pulled all of the copies I have out of their plastic sleeves with the intention of scanning them and then placing the copies (which have cost me several $$$) into acid-free sleeves and folders. Last week as I was researching the Irish ancestors I thought I'd see what I could dig up on them but then I decided to have a rest from the Irish and go through all my certs.

What have I discovered?

* Certificates that I didn't even know I had and from which I had entered no information into my database. I am carefully examining them and adding info to my Family Historian database. I am also noting in the notes field for the source if I actually hold a copy of the record in question.

* I realised that one of the certificates I had wasn't for the right person so had to lop another branch off my tree. Since I purchased that certificate I had found other evidence that refuted what was in the certificate. It pays to revisit.

* I found several factual errors on certificates. Further evidence gathered since I procured the certificates shows them to be wrong. It pays to use multiple sources.

* I am finding familiar names as witnesses to BDM events now that I revisit the certificates. The knowledge of families I have gathered over the years has made it easy for me to recognise these names. Knowledge gained over years of research helps one make valuable connections.

* I've been doing some fact checking on other sites as I go along and it's interesting to see how many folk have copied my stuff (including typos) into their online trees.

* By using the clues contained in online trees as I go through my certificates I have made some valuable discoveries. I managed to finally kill off Mr GeniAus' 2x great-grandmother the other night because someone had provided a source in their online tree.

* I have found something new on just about each certificate I have put under the virtual microscope.

* As a result of this activity many of the previously unsourced events in my database now have sources.

We are often reminded of the value of doing such an exercise. I can thoroughly recommend putting your research on hold while you go nitpicking through the records you have to hand.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Things have quietened down since the A to Z challenge so it’s time for a bit of fun with a May Meme. A few years ago I did a May Music Meme so I thought this year we’d go to the movies. Put your movie hats on, look into the past and dredge up your memories…LET’S HAVE FUN!

The way it works is this:

Copy the questions I’ve listed here and add your responses – short or long as you please.

---------------------------------------------------------------Thanks Pauleen for issuing this challenge which required a Blockbuster effort on my part. I did, however, enjoy the trip down Memory Lane. Thanks for the nudge.What’s the earliest movie you can remember?

The Red Shoes starring Sir Robert Helpmann which I saw with Mum at a theatre in Kings Cross.

Where did you go to the movies (place or type of venue)?

When I was a youngster we lived in Kings Cross and we had within walking distance the choice of three movie theatres, the Kings Cross Theatre, the Minerva/Metro and a small newsreel theatre. A short tram ride down William Street took us to the city theatres. I remember the St James, The Prince Edward and the State that is set up for live theatre today. I remember Sydney identity, Bea Miles, who used to frighten the life out of me when she stood up the back of the Kings Cross Theatre eating grapes and spitting the seeds at the audience of moviegoers.

Source: http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/35318/photos/112816 by John Gleeson

As a family we went to the Star Drive-in at Matraville a few times and I when I was a teen I went in to the city to meet my schoolfriends. On odd occasions I went locally to the Randwick Ritz or Odeon or to one of the theatres at Bondi Junction.

The first movie I saw with Mr GeniAus was the Mercenary at the St James Theatre. It was so scary I just had to hang onto him. Once we were married and had children there was little time and less money for movie going.

These days I see many movies on the small screen on aeroplanes. On a trip to London I will watch about six movies. I've already looked up the programs for my next European jaunt.

Did you buy movie programs?

What movie programs?

Did you take in food and drink (and what did you like)?We went to see the movies, not for a picnic. This habit has continued to the present day. I always have a bottle of water and a tin of mints in case of emergency. I won't say no to a choc top on a special occasion.

Did you watch movies at home?
Sometimes we watched the Sunday Night movies on TV. I remember when Mr GeniAus bought a video player when they were just new, I didn't understand what is was for. We still have some tapes of movies we recorded off air. When they became available we would borrow movies from the video shop - it was a lot cheaper then taking the family to the movies. We sometimes watch movies on DVD now but we like to go out to the theatre. It's quite a reasonable price for Senior Citizens.

What was your favourite movie to watch at home?
I tend not to rewatch movies or reread books. There just isn't enough time to experience all the movies and books I want to see/read.

Do you prefer to watch movies at home or at the cinema?
Cinema. The big screen and surround sound add something extra.

Does your family have a special movie memory?
My younger daughter knew the dialogue for The Sound of Music, off by heart.

Did you read the book before or after the movie?
Usually before but sometimes afterwards to get the full story. I like to read first so the characters and settings I imagine are not influenced by the movie makers' perceptions. Seeing the movies first hinders my engagement with the characters in the book.

Which did you enjoy more, the book or the movie?
Except on rare occasions the book wins.

What’s the silliest movie you’ve seen (silly funny or silly annoying)?
I don't want to give either positive or negative reinforcement to the rubbish that I've endured.

Pet hate in movies?
Tall people who sit in front of me.

A movie that captures family history for you? The DescendantsIf you could only play 5 movies for the rest of your life, what would they be?
I would turn to books I haven't read.

Since Librarything added the facility to record movies in its database I have been recording the names of the movies I see. I am also trying to retrospectively add those I have seen in my lifetime. This activity has helped me remember a few more. So far I have listed these Movies I've seen.

I thought I hadn't seen many movies but, on reflection, I realise that I love the Magic of Movies.

I have heard on the grapevine that the organisers are considering adding in 2017 a genealogy category as many of us has suggested. Now is theme to start thinking about your theme for 2017. I have hit on a theme for my personal blog jillballau, set up a planning sheet on Google Drive and have added six draft posts. Will you be joining me?

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

My parents lived in two residences in Dolphin Street Randwick over a period of 43 years. Yesterday I blogged about their time at 28 Dolphin Street. For my Trove Tuesday post this week I decided to find who else had lived in Dolphin Street. I found a mixed bunch.

Monday, May 9, 2016

Way back in 1979 my parents moved from a home unit (flat, apartment) in Randwick into a small cottage further along the street where they lived. There were several reasons for this move but one of them revolved around my family.

At the time I had three young children and a fourth on the way. It was difficult climbing up three flights to visit Mum and Dad and there was no outdoor area for the children to play. With impending retirement Mum and Dad also realised that a garden would give them space to get away from each other, a place for Dad to amuse himself plus it would be more convenient for grandchildren visits.We spent several months looking for suitable properties, none of which were quite right.

When Mum was chatting with a lady she knew in a local organisation, this woman indicated that she was selling her home at 28 Dolphin Street. Mum and Dad took a look, they agreed on a price and Mum and Dad moved down the hill on 15 June 1979. Mum moved on to a retirement village several years ago after Dad passed away and finally on the weekend, on her behalf, I auctioned Number 28 Dolphin Street.

Auction Day - 28 Dolphin Street

I thought I did not have a great emotional attachment to the house but, as the auction approached, my children recalled the many happy times they had spent with their grandparents at number 28. I realised that the cottage was important to my family history. When they were university students and young marrieds each of my children had a period living in a neighbouring property so they also were neighbours of Grandma and Grandpa for a time and they all kept an eye on each other. With the sale of Mum's house the Dolphin Street era has come to a close.

I am recording this event on my blog and taking a trip down memory lane via some photos in my collection so that future generations will have a window into the times we shared at that little cottage.

Dad loved taking photos. This is the earliest we have of Dolphin Street and shows Mum and my younger son sitting on the front fence We have quite a few photos of family members sitting on that fence which is seen in the auction Day shot.

Fence lineup

Fast forward to 1985 and there's another family group on the fence, my four children, my cousin and her firstborn.

My birthday - 1980

My parents' dining table features in many photos as Mum and Dad loved hosting us and the extended family for various celebrations. Above is a photo from my birthday in 1980. Dad was a big kid who also enjoyed his birthdays (below).

Grandpa cuts his cake

1990 - Son's birthday

My birthday - 1991

We usually had Christmas lunch at our home but on a couple of occasions we went to Mum's. Our celebrations were often accompanied by that classic wine, Sparkling Bodega.

One of Grandma's' specialties was crumbed cutlets which the kids devoured.

Crumbed cutlets

While Mum loved cooking she was happy to sit back after she had served a meal. Dad would don an apron and wash the dishes, he used make such a splash that the floor got a wash at the same time. Sometimes one of my children would help him.

When they were home alone Mum and Dad had their meals and coffee breaks at their small kitchen table.

Dad nurtured the old Magnolia tree in the garden. As they grew my children spent a lot of time in that tree.

The kids had the run of the house. Grandma always had activity and painting books to amuse them.

One error of judgment on my part occurred when I gave my parents a pound puppy, Susie. I thought they needed canine company but they didn't. Thankfully Susie found a happy long term home with my cousin.

Susie didn't stay long at Dolphin Street

My maternal grandmother was always included in celebrations. 1988 was the last time we celebrated Mother's Day with her, in the photo below are four generations of females in my family.

Dad's last visit home from his nursing home to Dolphin Street was in 2000.

And in 2001 a new generation came to Dolphin Street when Mum's first Great-grandchild visited.

Until she moved to a retirement apartment Mum was quite houseproud.

Mum supervising my husband in the yard.

Mum loved her new kitchen

Although Mum was quite keen on decorating she saw no reason to replace the bathroom which the real estate agent described described as "classic and spacious". When my grand-daughter visited on auction day she was quite taken with the pinkness of it.

Friday, May 6, 2016

I see this word pop up regularly on social media. Just today two gemimates from North America, Lisa Alzo and Bill Williams, used it.

From the definitions I see on the internet Bazinga is a word one uses when one has carried out a prank. Living way downunder in Australia I think I may be suffering from cross-cultural ignorance.
Why I am curious is that, if this word has some genealogical significance I'd like to include it in the Geneadictionary.